The Congregation of Daughters of Mary of the Immaculate Conception was founded in New Britain, Connecticut, in 1904, by the Reverend Lucian Bojnowski.
Urged by the desire to honor the Blessed Mother in a special way, on the occasion of the golden jubilee of the proclamation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception, and wishing to ameliorate the sad plight of orphaned children, Father Bojnowski brought together a group of devoted Sodalists from his parish and, with ecclesiastical approbation, formed the nucleus of the present Community.
In accordance with Canon Law, the primary aim of the Institute is the personal sanctification of its members by the observance of the evangelical counsels, and secondary, to further the apostolate through the exercise of corporal and spiritual works of mercy.Candidates are high school graduates between 15-30 years old. The 6-month postulancy is followed by a two-year novitiate. Temporary vows are made for five years after which perpetual vows are pronounced. After first vows the sisters are sent to various Catholic centers of learning to obtain the cultural and professional training necessary for their apostolate.
The sisters wear a royal blue habit, a black veil and rosary, and a white sash.
Anna Marcinczyk, the daughter of Daniel Marcinczyk and Victoria Hryniewicz, graduated Sacred Heart School and received her Bachelor's and Masters Degree from Seton Hall University in New Jersey. She joined the order of Daughters of Mary of Immaculate Conception around 1944 and became known as "Sister Mary Ancilla".
Sister Ancilla taught school in Ware MA, Harrison NJ, Springfield PA and at Mary Immaculate Academy in New Britain CT, where she was an Assistant Principal and Secretary General of the Daughters of Mary from 1972 to 1977. She also traveled quite a bit and went to several countries, including India. Her niece, Susan Claire Nardelli, recalls Sister Ancella was a gifted artist, played guitar and had a beautiful singing voice.
She was 63 years old when she died and is buried at the convent's cemetery.
2 comments:
Thank you so much for creating this blog! The details you have managed to uncover are fascinating.
I have fond memories of Sister Ancilla. I remember going to see her with my parents, and thinking that the convent was one of the coolest places to visit. I remember Sister Ancilla as being brilliant and kind, with a quiet confidence and dignity. She also had the most beautiful smile.
I was younger when "Babcia" Marcinczyk (Wiktoria Hryniewicz) passed away, but the two things I remember most about her are Lorna Doone cookies and warm soda! I have heard stories that in her youth she was a feisty redhead, and that even managed to fight off a mugger when she was walking home from her English language evening class.
~Joanne Marcinczyk
(daughter of Daniel & Patricia Marcinczyk)
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